Method and apparatus to process display and non-display information

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate including a display information optical path to receive display information and includes a non-display information optical path to receive non-display information. In some embodiments, the display information optical path includes a display information optical power. In some embodiments, the non-display information optical path includes one or more filters and a non-display information optical power.

FIELD

The subject matter is related to optical processing of displayinformation and non-display information.

BACKGROUND

Current systems for optical processing of display information providedby a head-mounted display and non-display information provided byobjects other than the head-mounted display may have characteristicsthat make them unattractive solutions for some applications. The twinrequirements of a large field of view and a comfortable eye-to-systemdistance for the viewer results in multi-component optical systems wherethe final optical component has a large diameter. Such systems tend tobe large and bulky and ill suited for applications where little space isavailable for processing the display information and the non-displayinformation. For example, such systems are unattractive solutions forprocessing display and non-display information in a fighter pilot'shelmet where the space for the optical system is limited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An understanding of the apparatus and methods will now be had uponreference to the following detailed description, when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like referencecharacters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of an apparatus to receive and processdisplay information and non-display information in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of the apparatus (shown in FIG. 1A)coupled to a human visual system in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 1C shows a block diagram of an apparatus including the apparatus(shown in FIG. 1A), and further including a display to provide thedisplay information in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 1D shows a block diagram of an apparatus including the apparatus(shown in FIG. 1A), wherein at least one of the one or more filters(shown in FIG. 1A) includes a non-display path notch filter or anon-display path polarizing filter and further including the display(shown in FIG. 1C) to provide the display information (shown in FIG. 1A)in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 1E shows a block diagram of an apparatus including the apparatus(shown in FIG. 1A), wherein the one or more filters include anon-display path polarizing filter (shown in FIG. 1D) and furtherincluding the display (shown in FIG. 1C) in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of an apparatus to receive and process thedisplay information and the non-display information in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of the apparatus (shown in FIG. 2A)coupled to the human visual system (shown in FIG. 1B) in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 2C shows a block diagram of an apparatus including the apparatus(shown in FIG. 2A), and further including the display (shown in FIG. 1C)to provide the display information in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2D shows a block diagram of an apparatus including the apparatus(shown in FIG. 2A), wherein at least one of the one or more controllableoptical materials includes a photochromic material or an electrochromicmaterial and further including the display (shown in FIG. 1C) to providethe display information and one or more optical material activationsignals in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows an apparatus including a substrate including an opticalpath having one or more zone plates to receive display information andnon-display information in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A and 4B (diametrical section of contact lens shown in 4A) showillustrations of a contact lens including the display informationoptical path and the non-display information optical path in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows an illustration of the display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processingnon-display information using wavelength filters in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of the display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing displayinformation using wavelength filters in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 7 shows an illustration of the display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing tocombine non-display information and display information using wavelengthfilters in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows an illustration of the display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processingnon-display information using polarizing filters in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 9 shows an illustration of the display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing displayinformation using polarizing filters in accordance with someembodiments;

FIGS. 10A and 10B (diametrical section of illustration shown in 10A)show illustrations of a contact lens including one or more zone platefilters in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows an illustration of the display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing displayinformation and non-display information using the one or more zone platefilters in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 12 shows an illustration of an apparatus including a substrate, asubstantially transparent pixel unit, and an organic light emittingdiode unit in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of a method including enabling anddisabling transmission of display information and transmission ofnon-display information in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram of a method including polarizing displayand non-display information and illuminating a contact lens with thepolarized display and non-display information in accordance with someembodiments.

DESCRIPTION

The term substrate as used in the following description includes anymaterial or substance used to form an optical component such as acontact lens. The term zone plate includes an optical component thatfocuses light by diffraction. The term display information optical pathincludes the optical path traversed in a substrate by displayinformation. The term non-display information optical path includes theoptical path traversed in a substrate by non-display information. Theterm optically coupled includes two or more optical components connectby an optical path.

The term non-display information path optical power includes the opticalpower provided in a substrate for an optical signal passing through thenon-display information path. The term substantially zero power includesan optical power that has substantially no effect on an optical signal.The term normal power is the optical power necessary to providecorrection in an optical system, such as a human visual system, fordefects in the optical system. The term close power is the optical powernecessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a humanvisual system, for viewing at a close distance.

The term electromagnetic radiation includes energy in the form oftransverse electric and magnetic waves. The term electromagneticradiation includes electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum.The term illuminating includes directing or transmitting electromagneticradiation to a target.

The term filter includes apparatus or methods for selectivelytransmitting electromagnetic radiation. The term characteristic featureincludes detectable traits, such as narrow bandwidth or polarization, bywhich signals can be distinguished.

The term notch filter includes a filter that blocks electromagneticradiation over a substantially continuous narrow band of frequencies.The term non-display path notch filter includes a notch filter includedin the non-display path of a substrate.

The term bandpass filter includes a filter that transmitselectromagnetic radiation over a substantially continuous but finiteband of frequencies. The term display path bandpass filter includes abandpass filter included in the display path of a substrate.

The term polarizing filter includes a filter that polarizeselectromagnetic radiation. The term display path polarizing filterincludes a polarizing filter included in the display information path ofa substrate. The term non-display path polarizing filter includes apolarizing filter included in the non-display information path of asubstrate. The term shutter includes a controllable polarizing filter.The term substantially opaque filter includes a filter that blocks allor nearly all of the information received by the filter.

The term display includes any apparatus capable of generatinginformation in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The term organiclight emitting diode display includes one or more light-emitting diodeswhose light emitting layer is includes a film of one or more organiccompounds. The term display information includes information provided bya display.

The term controllable optical materials includes materials whose opticalproperties, such as opacity, can be controlled. The term photochromicmaterial includes materials whose optical properties can be controlledby an optical signal. The term electrochromic material includes anoptical material whose properties can be controlled by an electricalsignal. The term optical material activation signal includes signals tocontrol the optical properties of a controllable optical material.

The term a pattern of pixel sites includes the organization of pixelsites on a substrate. The term substantial transparent pixel unitincludes a portion of a display that transmits electromagnetic radiationgenerated outside the display. The term checkerboard pattern includes analternating pattern similar to the pattern of a checkerboard.

In some embodiments, as illustrated and described herein, informationprovided by a head-mounted display, referred to as display information,and information provided by objects other than the head-mounted display,referred to as non-display information, are received at a contact lensincluded in a human visual system. A head-mounted display may include anorganic light emitting diode display to provide the display information.The contact lens in combination with the human visual system providesimages of the display information and the non-display information to theretina of the human visual system. The display information may include,for example, text information, non-text information or other visualinformation. The non-display information may include, for example,landscape information, non-landscape information, and other visualinformation.

The contact lens includes a display information optical path and anon-display information optical path. The display information opticalpath provides a contact lens transmission path between the head-mounteddisplay and the human visual system for the display informationtransmitted by the head-mounted display. The display information opticalpath forms a substantially cylindrical central region of the contactlens. The display information optical path in the contact lens canprovide power to assist the human visual system in focusing objectspositioned close to the human lens.

The non-display information optical path provides a contact lenstransmission path between the source of the non-display information andthe human visual system for the non-display information. The non-displayinformation optical path forms a substantially annular ring surroundingthe cylindrical central region of the display information optical path.A filter is included in the non-display information optical path tosubstantially block display information from being transmitted throughthe non-display information optical path. The non-display informationoptical path in the contact lens may provide correction for defects,such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in the humanvisual system.

The display information and the non-display information may be polarizedto different polarizations to provide for distinguishing between thedisplay information and the non-display information. Polarizing thedisplay information and the non-display information enables independentprocessing of the display information and non-display information at thecontact lens and enables time-domain multiplexing in the transmission ofthe display information and the non-display information to the contactlens. The time-domain multiplexed display information and non-displayinformation when processed by the human visual system are perceived as asingle image. Further detailed description of these and otherembodiments is provided below.

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of an apparatus 101 to receive and processdisplay information 103 and non-display information 105 in accordancewith some embodiments. The apparatus 101 includes a substrate 107including a display information optical path 109 to receive the displayinformation 103 and including a non-display information optical path 111to receive the non-display information 105. The display informationoptical path 109 includes a display information path optical power 113.The non-display information optical path 111 includes one or morefilters 115 and a non-display information path optical power 117.

The substrate 107 is not limited to being formed from a particularmaterial or combination of materials. Materials suitable for use informing optical components, such as lenses, may be used in forming thesubstrate 107. Exemplary materials suitable for use in forming thesubstrate 107 include gels, such as silicone hydrogels, glasses,plastics, and polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate and polymacon.The substrate 107 is not limited to a particular type of opticalcomponent. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 includes a substrateor blank suitable for forming one lens, such as a contact lens. In someembodiments, the substrate 107 includes one or more optical componentsor lenses, such as focusing lenses, formed from one or more opticalmaterials. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 is formed from aflexible material conformable to the shape of a human cornea. In someembodiments, the substrate 107 is formed by filling a contact lens moldwith one or more liquid polymers.

The display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation, such asvisible light, having at least one characteristic feature lacking in thenon-display electromagnetic radiation of the non-display information105. For example, in some embodiments, the display information 103includes electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidthwhile the non-display information 105 includes electromagnetic radiationhaving a broad spectral bandwidth. Narrow spectral bandwidth and broadspectral bandwidth are relative terms. In some embodiments, for twosignals, the signal having the narrower spectral bandwidth informationis the signal having a narrow spectral bandwidth and the signal havingthe broader spectral bandwidth information is the signal having a broadspectral bandwidth. In some embodiments, narrow spectral bandwidthinformation includes information having a bandwidth of between about afew nanometers and a few tens of nanometers. In some embodiments, broadspectral bandwidth information includes information having a bandwidthgreater than about a few tens of nanometers. Thus, the non-displayelectromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth lacks thecharacteristic feature—narrow spectral bandwidth—included in the displayinformation 103.

As a second example, in some embodiments, the display information 103includes electromagnetic radiation having a display informationpolarization, such as right-handed circular polarization, and thenon-display information 105 includes unpolarized information. Thus, thenon-display information 105 including the non-display electromagneticradiation having the unpolarized information lacks the characteristicfeature—right handed circular polarization—included in the displayinformation 103.

The display information optical path 109 is included in the substrate107 and is formed from an optical material or combination of materials.The display information optical path 109 is not limited to being formedfrom a particular optical material or combination of materials.Materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 are suitable foruse in forming the display information optical path 109. The materialsused to form the display information optical path 109 may differ fromthe one or more materials used to form the substrate 107.

In operation, the display information optical path 109 receives andtransmits electromagnetic information, such as the display information103. When coupled to a human visual system (as shown in FIG. 1B), thedisplay information optical path 109 receives the display information103 and assists the human visual system to substantially focus thedisplay information 103 to a retina in the human visual system.

The non-display information optical path 111 is included in thesubstrate 107 and is formed from an optical material or combination ofmaterials. The non-display information optical path 111 is not limitedto being formed from a particular optical material or combination ofmaterials. Materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 aresuitable for use in forming the non-display information optical path111. The materials used to form the non-display information optical path111 may differ from the one or more materials used to form the substrate107.

In operation, the non-display information optical path 111 receives thenon-display information 105 and when coupled to a human visual system(as shown in FIG. 1B) substantially focuses the non-display information105 to a retina in the human visual system. The non-display information105 includes any information, such as visible objects, not included inthe display information 103. In some embodiments, the non-displayinformation 105 is provided from objects more distant from the humanvisual system than the source of the display information 103. Forexample, in some embodiments, the display information 103 is provided toa human visual system from a head-mounted display located between about5 millimeters and about 200 millimeters from the cornea and thenon-display information 105 is provided to the human visual system froma source located at a distance of greater than about 200 millimetersfrom the cornea.

The one or more filters 115 included in the non-display informationoptical path 111 substantially block the display information 103 whilesubstantially transmitting the non-display information 105. Each of theone or more filters 115 is sensitive to a physical characteristic, suchas wavelength, frequency, or polarization, of the display information103. Thus, the one or more filters 115 may include any filter orcombination of filters or other optical components capable ofsubstantially blocking the display information 103 while substantiallytransmitting the non-display information 105.

Optical power is the degree to which a lens or mirror converges ordiverges light or electromagnetic radiation. A lens or mirror havingsubstantially zero optical power neither converges nor divergeselectromagnetic radiation. Normal power is the power necessary toprovide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system,for defects in the optical system. For example, normal power includes apower to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism ina human visual system. In some embodiments, a normal power is betweenabout 0.25 and about 10 diopters.

Close power is the power necessary to provide correction in an opticalsystem, such as a human visual system, for viewing at a close distance.In a human visual system, a close distance is a distance of less thanabout 250 millimeters. For objects closer than about 250 millimeters,the human visual system cannot form a sharp image on the retina. Afocusing lens can provide close power to assist a human visual system inviewing objects at distances of less than about 250 millimeters. In someembodiments, the close power is between about 5 and about 200 diopters.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 101 includes combinations of opticalpowers. First, in some embodiments, the display information path opticalpower 113 includes substantially zero power and the non-displayinformation path optical power 117 includes substantially zero power.Second, in some embodiments, the display information path optical power113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display informationpath optical power 117 includes a normal power. Third, in someembodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes aclose power and the non-display information path optical power 117includes substantially zero power. Fourth, in some embodiments, thedisplay information path optical power 113 includes a close power andthe non-display information path optical power 117 includes normalpower.

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A)coupled to a human visual system 131 in accordance with someembodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107including the display information optical path 109 to receive thedisplay information 103 and including the non-display informationoptical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The displayinformation optical path 109 includes the display information pathoptical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includesthe one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path opticalpower 117.

In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 has anaperture 119. The aperture 119 may be sized to assist in focusing thedisplay information 103. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 is sizedto increase the depth of focus in the display information optical path109. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 has a diameter of about onemillimeter.

In operation, the display information optical path 109 and thenon-display information optical path 111 assist the human visual system131 in forming a focused image of the display information 103 and afocused image of the non-display information 105 on a retina 133. Thedisplay information optical path 109 in cooperation with the humanvisual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focusesthe display information 103 to the retina 133 to form retinal displayinformation image 135. The non-display information optical path 111 incooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens134, substantially focuses the non-display information 105 to the retina133 to form retinal non-display information image 137. At least one ofthe one or more filters 115 in the non-display information optical path111 substantially blocks the display information 103 from entering thehuman visual system 131 from the non-display information optical path111.

FIG. 1C shows a block diagram of an apparatus 141 including theapparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), and further including a display 143 toprovide the display information 103 in accordance with some embodiments.The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 includingthe display information optical path 109 to receive the displayinformation 103 and including the non-display information optical path111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display informationoptical path 109 includes the display information path optical power113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one ormore filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes informationprovided by the display 143. The display 143 includes any device orsystem that provides information in the form of electromagneticradiation, such as visible light. For example, in some embodiments, thedisplay information 103 is provided by a device including a singletwo-state source of visible light.

The display 143 is not limited to a particular type of display. In someembodiments, the display 143 includes micro-displays and other smalldisplays, such as displays having a thickness of between about 100microns and about two millimeters, flat screen displays, such as liquidcrystal displays, and cathode ray tube displays. In some embodiments,the display 143 is mounted in an eyeglass frame. In operation, in someembodiments, the distance between the display and a human cornea isbetween about 5 millimeters and about 200 millimeters.

The display information 103 provided by the display 143 may include acharacteristic feature related to the wavelength of the displayinformation 103. In some embodiments, the display information 103provided by the display 143 includes information having a narrowspectral bandwidth. Exemplary displays that provide the displayinformation 103 having a narrow spectral bandwidth include organic lightemitting diode displays and electroluminescent displays.

The display 143 is not limited to providing the display information 103.In some embodiments, the display 143 is substantially occluded,partially occluded, or substantially transparent. For a partiallyoccluded or substantially transparent display, the display 143 maytransmit the non-display information 105 in addition to providing thedisplay information 103. An organic light emitting diode display is anexemplary display capable of providing substantially transparent,partially occluded, and substantially occluded operation.

FIG. 1D shows a block diagram of an apparatus 151 including theapparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein at least one of the one ormore filters 115 includes a non-display path notch filter 153 or anon-display path polarizing filter 155 and further including the display143 to provide the display information 103 in accordance with someembodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107including the display information optical path 109 to receive thedisplay information 103 and including the non-display informationoptical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The displayinformation optical path 109 includes the display information pathoptical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includesthe one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path opticalpower 117. In some embodiments, the display information optical pathincludes a display path bandpass filter 157. In some embodiments, thedisplay information optical path includes a display path polarizingfilter 159.

The non-display path notch filter 153 is selected to substantially blockthe display information 103 in the non-display information optical path111. In some embodiments, the non-display path notch filter 153 isselected to block at least about 90% of the energy included in thedisplay information 103. Blocking less than about 90% of energy includedin the display information 103 may result in blurring of the displayinformation 103 and the non-display information 105. The non-displaypath notch filter 153 is not limited to a particular type of notchfilter. In some embodiments, the non-display path notch filter 153includes a thin film interference filter, such as a rugate filter. Notchfilters, such as the non-display path notch filter 153, are formed byperiodically varying the refractive index in each of a plurality ofdiscrete thin film layers included in a contact lens. Microlithographicprocesses can be applied to each of the plurality of discrete thin filmlayers to pattern the notch filters. The plurality of discrete thin filmlayers may be introduced into the contact lens during the molding of thelens.

In operation, the non-display path notch filter 153 is included in thenon-display information optical path 111 to block narrow bandwidthelectromagnetic radiation included in the display information 103. Ifthe non-display information 105 includes broad spectral bandwidthelectromagnetic radiation, the non-display path notch filter 153 hassubstantially no effect on the non-display information 105. Thenon-display information 105 passes through the non-display informationoptical path 111 substantially unchanged.

In some embodiments, the frequencies to be blocked by the non-displaypath notch filter 153 include the primary colors included in thespectrum of the display information 103. For example, for the displayinformation 103 having primary colors red, green, and blue, the one ormore filters 115 are selected to substantially block narrow spectrumred, green, and blue. The transmission curve to substantially blocknarrow spectrum red, green, and blue includes “notches” or atransmission coefficient of substantially zero at the one or more bandsof frequencies to be blocked, narrow spectrum red, green, and blue. Insome embodiments, the “notches” have a bandwidth that blocks a band offrequencies, such as, for example, a band of frequencies having a narrowspectrum of between about two and about thirty nanometers, centered oneach of the primary colors, red, green, and blue.

The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantiallyblock the display information 103 in the non-display information opticalpath 111. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is not limited to aparticular type of polarizing filter. In some embodiments, thenon-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filter tosubstantially block right-handed circularly polarized radiation. In someembodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected tosubstantially block left-handed circularly polarized electromagneticradiation. In some embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter155 is selected to substantially block linearly polarizedelectromagnetic radiation. Pixelated micro-wires and birefringentpolymers are suitable for use in forming linear polarizers for use informing polarizing filters, such as the non-display path polarizingfilter 155. Circular polarizers are formed by adding a quarterwave-plate retarder in series with a linear polarizer.

In operation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is included inthe non-display information optical path 111 to block polarizedelectromagnetic radiation included in the display information 103. Forexample, if the display information 103 includes left-handed circularlypolarized electromagnetic radiation and the non-display information 105includes right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation,the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantiallyblock the left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiationwhile having substantially no effect on the right-handed circularlypolarized electromagnetic radiation of the non-display information 105.The non-display information 105 passes through the non-displayinformation optical path 111 substantially unchanged.

The display path bandpass filter 157 is selected to substantially blockthe non-display information 105 in the display information optical path109. The display path bandpass filter 157 is not limited to a particulartype of bandpass filter. In some embodiments, the display path bandpassfilter 157 includes a thin film interference filter, such as a rugatefilter. Bandpass filters, such as the display path bandpass filter 157,are formed by varying the refractive index in each of a plurality ofthin films to selectively pass the desired wavelength bands andincluding the plurality of discrete thin film layers in a contact lens.Microlithographic processes can be applied to the plurality of thinfilms to pattern the bandpass filters. The plurality of discrete thinfilm layers may be introduced into the contact lens during the moldingof the lens.

In operation, the display path bandpass filter 157 included in thedisplay information optical path 109 is selected to substantially blockbroad spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation included in thenon-display information 105. If the display information 103 includesnarrow spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation substantiallymatched to the passband of the display path bandpass filter 157, thedisplay path bandpass filter 157 has substantially no effect on thedisplay information 103. The display information 103 passes through thedisplay information optical path 109 substantially unchanged.

The display path polarizing filter 159 is selected to substantiallyblock the non-display information 105 in the display information opticalpath 109. The display path polarizing filter 159 is not limited to aparticular type of polarizing filter. In some embodiments, the displaypath polarizing filter 159 includes a linearly polarized filter.

In operation, the display path polarizing filter 159 is included in thedisplay information optical path 109 to substantially blockelectromagnetic radiation included in the non-display information 105.If the display information 103 includes right-handed circularlypolarized electromagnetic radiation and the display path polarizingfilter 159 is selected to transmit right-handed circularly polarizedelectromagnetic radiation, the display path polarizing filter 159 hassubstantially no effect on the display information 103. The displayinformation 103 passes through the display information optical path 109substantially unchanged.

In some embodiments, in operation the apparatus 151 processes acombination of spectral bandwidths and polarizations in the displayinformation 103 and the non-display information 105. First, in someembodiments, the display information 103 includes displayelectromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and thenon-display information 105 includes non-display electromagneticradiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. Second, in someembodiments, the display information 103 includes displayelectromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization andthe non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagneticradiation having a non-display information polarization. Third, in someembodiments, the display information 103 includes displayelectromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and adisplay information polarization and the non-display information 105includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectralbandwidth. Fourth, in some embodiments, the display information 103includes display information including display electromagnetic radiationhaving a narrow spectral bandwidth and a display informationpolarization and the non-display information 105 including non-displayelectromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth and anon-display information polarization.

FIG. 1E shows a block diagram of an apparatus 161 including theapparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein the one or more filters 115includes the non-display path polarizing filter 155 (shown in FIG. 1D)and further including the display 143 (shown in FIG. 1C) in accordancewith some embodiments. The apparatus 101 includes the substrate 107including the display information optical path 109 to receive thedisplay information 103 and including the non-display informationoptical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The displayinformation optical path 109 includes the display information pathoptical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includesthe one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path opticalpower 117. The display information 103 includes electromagneticradiation having a display information polarization. The non-displayinformation 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having anon-display information polarization.

The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to block thedisplay information 103. In some embodiments, the display information103 includes electromagnetic radiation having the display informationpolarization. To block the display information 103, the non-display pathpolarizing filter 155 is selected to block electromagnetic radiationhaving the display information polarization. In some embodiments, thenon-display information 105 includes the non-display electromagneticradiation having the non-display information polarization. Thenon-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to pass thenon-display electromagnetic radiation having the non-display informationpolarization.

FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of an apparatus 201 to receive and processthe display information 103 and the non-display information 105 inaccordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 includes thesubstrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 toreceive the display information 103 and including the non-displayinformation optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105.The display information optical path 109 includes the displayinformation path optical power 113. The non-display information opticalpath 111 includes one or more controllable optical materials 203 and thenon-display information path optical power 117.

The one or more controllable optical materials 203 include materialshaving one or more controllable optical properties. In some embodiments,the one or more controllable optical materials 203 include photochromicmaterials. The controllable optical properties, such as opacity, may becontrolled by providing the photochromic material with anelectromagnetic signal, such as an optical signal, for example, toincrease or decrease the opacity of the photochromic material.

In some embodiments, the one or more controllable optical materials 203include an electrochromic material. The one or more controllable opticalproperties, such as opacity, may be controlled by providing theelectrochromic material with an electromagnetic signal, such as a radiofrequency signal, for example, to increase or decrease the opacity ofthe electrochromic material.

In operation, the one or more controllable optical materials 203included in the non-display information optical path 111 block ortransmit information in the non-display information optical path 111.When at least one of the one or more controllable optical materials 203is set to block information in the non-display information optical path111, substantially only display information 103 in the displayinformation optical path 109 passes through the substrate 107.

Neither the display information path optical power 113 nor thenon-display information path optical power 117 is limited to aparticular power. In some embodiments, the apparatus 201 includes acombination of optical powers. First, in some embodiments, the displayinformation path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power andthe non-display information path optical path power 117 includessubstantially zero power. Second, in some embodiments, the displayinformation path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power andthe non-display information path optical power 117 includes a normalpower. Third, in some embodiments, the display information path opticalpower 113 includes a close power and the non-display information pathoptical power 117 includes substantially zero power. Fourth, in someembodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes aclose power and the non-display information path optical power 117includes normal power.

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of the apparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A)coupled to the human visual system 131 in accordance with someembodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107including the display information optical path 109 to receive thedisplay information 103 and including the non-display informationoptical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The displayinformation optical path 109 includes the display information pathoptical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includesthe one or more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-displayinformation path optical power 117.

In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 has anaperture 119. The aperture 119 may be sized to assist in focusing thedisplay information 103. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 is sizedto increase the depth of focus in the display information optical path109. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 has a diameter of about onemillimeter.

In operation, the display information optical path 109 and thenon-display information optical path 111 assist the human visual system131 in forming a focused image of the display information 103 at theretina 133 and a focused image of the non-display information 105 at theretina 133. The display information optical path 109 in cooperation withthe human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantiallyfocuses the display information 103 at the retina 133 to form a retinaldisplay information image 135. The non-display information optical path111 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the humanlens 134, substantially focuses the non-display information 105 at theretina 133 to form a retinal non-display information image 137. At leastone of the one or more controllable optical materials 203 in thenon-display information optical path 111 substantially blocks thedisplay information 103 from entering the human visual system 131 fromthe non-display information optical path 111.

FIG. 2C shows a block diagram of an apparatus 211 including theapparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A), and further including the display 143(shown in FIG. 1C) to provide the display information 103 in accordancewith some embodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes thesubstrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 toreceive the display information 103 and including the non-displayinformation optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105.The display information optical path 109 includes the displayinformation path optical power 113. The non-display information opticalpath 111 includes the one or more controllable optical materials 203 andthe non-display information path optical power 117. In some embodiments,the display information 103 includes information provided by the display143.

FIG. 2D shows a block diagram of an apparatus 221 including theapparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A), wherein at least one of the one ormore controllable optical materials 203 includes a photochromic material223 or an electrochromic material 225 and further including the display143 to provide the display information 103 and one or more opticalmaterial activation signals 227 in accordance with some embodiments. Theapparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including thedisplay information optical path 109 to receive the display information103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 toreceive the non-display information 105. The display information opticalpath 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. Thenon-display information optical path 111 includes the one morecontrollable optical materials 203 and the non-display information pathoptical power 117. In some embodiments, the display information opticalpath 109 includes the display path bandpass filter 157. In someembodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes thedisplay path polarizing filter 159.

The one or more material activation signals 227 provide controlinformation to the one or more controllable optical materials 203. Insome embodiments, the one or more material activation signals 227provide control information to the photochromic material 223. An opticalsignal is an exemplary signal suitable for use in providing controlinformation to the photochromic material 223. In some embodiments, theone or more material activation signals 227 provide control informationto the electrochromic material 225. A radio frequency signal is anexemplary signal suitable for use in providing control information tothe electrochromic material 225. In some embodiments, the one or morematerial activation signals 227 are provided by the display 143.

In operation, one or more of the photochromic material 223 and theelectrochromic material 225 are included in the non-display informationoptical path 111 to block or transmit information in the non-displayinformation optical path 111. When at least one of the one or more ofthe photochromic material 223 and the electrochromic material 225 is setto block information in the non-display information optical path 111,substantially only display information 103 in the display informationoptical path 109 passes through the substrate 107.

FIG. 3 shows an apparatus 301 including a substrate 303 including anoptical path 305 having one or more zone plates 307 to receive thedisplay information 103 and the non-display information 105 inaccordance with some embodiments.

The substrate 303 is not limited to being formed from a particularmaterial or combination of materials. Any materials suitable for use informing optical components, such as lenses, may be used in forming thesubstrate 303. Exemplary materials suitable for use in forming thesubstrate 303 include gels, such as silicone hydrogels, glasses,plastics, and polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate and polymacon.The substrate 303 is not limited to a particular type of opticalcomponent. In some embodiments, the substrate 303 includes a lens, suchas a contact lens, formed from one or more of the exemplary materials.

The formation of the one or more zone plates 307 is not limited to aparticular process or set of processes. In some embodiments, each of theone or more zone plates 307 is formed by patterning an interferencefilter, such as a rugate filter, in concentric rings in one of the oneor more zone plates 307. The patterning of a rugate filter is notlimited to a particular type of patterning. In some embodiments, thepatterning includes binary patterning. In some embodiments, thepatterning includes sinusoidal patterning. The refractive index of therugate filter may vary continuously and periodically.

The one or more zone plates 307, in some embodiments, include three zoneplates stacked substantially one on top of the other in the optical path305 included in the substrate 303. In some embodiments, a display thatprovides the display information 103 includes the primary colors red,green, and blue and the one or more zone plates 307 are selected tofilter the primary colors. To filter the colors red, green, and blue, insome embodiments, one of the one or more zone plates 307 includes arugate filter formed to filter the color red. A second of the one ormore zone plates 307 includes a rugate filter formed to filter the colorgreen. And a third of the one or more zone plates 307 includes a rugatefilter formed to filter the color blue. The rugate filter formed tofilter the color red includes rings that block red and rings that passall other colors. The rugate filter formed to filter the color greenincludes rings that block green and rings that pass all other colors.And the rugate filter formed to filter the color blue includes ringsthat block blue and rings that pass all other colors.

In some embodiments, the display information 103 is substantiallycollimated by the one or more zone plates 307. To collimate the displayinformation 103, the one or more zone plates 307 are formed to have afocal length of between about five and about two hundred millimeters.

In operation, the apparatus 301 processes the display information 103and the non-display information 105 substantially simultaneously. Thedisplay information 103 is diffracted and substantially focused as thedisplay information 103 passes through the optical path 305. Thenon-display information 105 passes through the optical path 305substantially unchanged. The display information 103 and the non-displayinformation 105 are focused to substantially the same focal point atsubstantially the same time. For a focal point located at a retina of ahuman visual system, the brain superimposes the two images.

The apparatus 301, in some embodiments, includes a display 309. In someembodiments, the display 309 provides the display information 103including display electromagnetic radiation having at least onecharacteristic feature. The non-display information 105 includesnon-display electromagnetic radiation lacking the at least onecharacteristic feature. In some embodiments, the display 309 providesthe display information 103 including display electromagnetic radiationhaving a narrow spectral bandwidth. The non-display information 105includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectralbandwidth. In some embodiments, the display 309 provides the displayinformation 103 including display electromagnetic radiation having adisplay information polarization. The non-display information 105includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-displayinformation polarization different from the display informationpolarization.

The optical path 305 is not limited to a particular optical power. Insome embodiments, the optical path 305 provides substantially zerooptical power 313 for the non-display information 103. In someembodiments, the optical path 305 provides a normal optical power 315for the non-display information 105.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 301 includes a filter 317substantially surrounding around the optical path 305. In someembodiments, when the apparatus 301 is used in combination with a humanvisual system, the filter 317 includes a substantially opaque filter tosubstantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path305 from entering the human visual system. In some embodiments, when theapparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, thefilter 317 includes a non-display path polarizing filter tosubstantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path305 from entering the human visual system. In some embodiments, when theapparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, thefilter 317 includes a notch filter to substantially block the displayinformation 103 outside the optical path 305 from entering the humanvisual system.

FIGS. 4A and 4B (diametrical section of contact lens 401 shown in 4A)show illustrations of a contact lens 401 including the displayinformation optical path 109 and the non-display information opticalpath 111 in accordance with some embodiments. The display informationoptical path 109 forms a substantially cylindrical path through acentral area of the contact lens 401. The diameter of the displayinformation optical path 109 may be sized to increase the depth of focusand thereby assist in focusing light from a display, such as ahead-mounted display, to a retina in a wearer's visual system. In someembodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes afocusing element 403, such as a lens, to assist the wearer's visualsystem in focusing light rays to the retina. In some embodiments, thedisplay information optical path 109 includes a wavelength selectivefilter, a polarization selective filter, or a variable opacity filterincluding one or more controllable optical materials such aselectrochromic or photochromic materials.

The non-display information optical path 111 forms a substantiallyannular ring surrounding the display information optical path 109. Thenon-display information optical path 111 may also include a non-displayinformation path optical power to assist the wearer's visual system infocusing light rays from objects located at a greater distance from thewearer's visual system than the display. The non-display informationpath optical power assists the wearer's visual system by providing anappropriate power to correct for deficiencies in the wearer's visualsystem. For example, for a nearsighted wearer, the non-displayinformation optical path 111 may include an optical power to correct forthe wearer's nearsightedness and permit the nearsighted wearer tosubstantially clearly view objects more distant from the wearer's visualsystem than the display. In some embodiments, the non-displayinformation optical path 111 includes a wavelength selective filter(including a wavelength selectivity different from the selectivity ofthe wavelength selective filter of the display information optical path109), a polarization selective filter (including a polarizationselectivity different from the polarization selectivity of thepolarization selective filter of the display information optical path109), or a variable opacity filter.

In operation, the contact lens 401 substantially conforms to the shapeof a wearer's cornea. The display information optical path 109 receivesand passes or transmits light rays from the display to the wearer. Thenon-display information optical path 111 receives and passes ortransmits light rays from objects more distant from the wearer's visualsystem than the display.

FIG. 5 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingnon-display information using wavelength filters in accordance with someembodiments. In some embodiments, the display 143 includes a displaynotch filer 501 and an organic light emitting diode display 503. In someembodiments, the contact lens 401 includes the display path bandpassfilter 157, such as a narrow band bandpass filter, the focusing element505 to provide display information path optical power, and the one ormore filters 115, such as one or more notch filters. The human visualsystem 131 includes an iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant fromthe contact lens 401 than the display 143 encounter the display 143, thecontact lens 401, and the human visual system 131. At the display 143,the display notch filter 501 filters the light rays 509. The wavelengthsof the light rays 509 that correspond to the wavelength notches ofdisplay notch filter 501 are substantially removed by the display notchfilter 501, leaving light rays 511. The light rays 511 pass through thedisplay 143 substantially unaltered. At the contact lens 401, the lightrays 511 are substantially blocked by the display path bandpass filter157 and substantially passed by the one or more filters 115. At thehuman visual system 131, one or more of the light rays 511 pass throughthe iris 507 to form light rays 513. The human lens 134 focuses thelight rays 513 to the retina 133.

Shadow 515 is created by the light rays blocked by the display pathbandpass filter 157. The display path bandpass filter 157 slightlyreduces the image intensity at the retina 133 when compared to an imageformed at the retina 133 in the absence of the display path bandpassfilter 157. Otherwise, the image at the retina 133 is substantiallyunaltered by the display path bandpass filter 157. The focusing element505 has substantially no affect on the light rays 513 reaching theretina 133, as the light rays 511 received at the focusing element 505are blocked by the display path bandpass filter 157.

In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 401 seesa normal, real world environment except that the light rays 511 nowinclude the wavelengths substantially blocked by the display notchfilter 501 when the display 143 is in use. At the contact lens 401, thewavelengths blocked at the display notch filter 501 when the display 143is in use are passed by the display path bandpass filter 157 anddefocused by the focusing element 505.

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingdisplay information using wavelength filters in accordance with someembodiments. The display 143 includes the display notch filer 501 andthe organic light emitting diode display 503. The contact lens 401includes the display path bandpass filter 157, such as a narrowbandwidth bandpass filter, the focusing element 505 to provide displayinformation path optical power, and the one or more filters 115. Thehuman visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, andthe retina 133.

In operation, light rays 601 and 602 are provided by the organic lightemitting diode display 503. The light rays 602 are blocked by thedisplay notch filter 501. Thus, the light rays 602 are not visible to aviewer looking at a wearer of the contact lens 401. The light rays 601are received at the contact lens 401 and the human visual system 131.The light rays 601 are blocked by the one or more filters 115, forexample, a notch filter, but are passed as light rays 603 by the displaypath bandpass filter 157. The focusing element 505, such as a focusinglens, provides optical power to assist the human lens 134 to focus thelight rays 603 to the retina 133. The light rays 603 are substantiallyunaffected by the iris 507.

In some embodiments, the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded.In some embodiments, material having an opacity is included in thedisplay 143 to provide the occlusion or partial occlusion. When thematerial is included in the display 143 on the side of display 143facing away from the contact lens 401, some or all of the non-displayinformation or ambient light rays are blocked. In such embodiments, thedisplay notch filter 501 is not required.

FIG. 7 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingto combine non-display information and display information usingwavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143includes the display notch filer 501 and the organic light emittingdiode display 503. The contact lens 401 includes the display pathbandpass filter 157, the focusing element 505 to provide displayinformation path optical power, and the one or more filters 115. Thehuman visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, andthe retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant fromthe contact lens 401 than the display 143 are processed as describedabove in the description of FIG. 5 to provide light rays 511 and 513.The light rays 601 and 602 provided by the display 143 are processed asdescribed above in the description of FIG. 6 to provide light rays 603.The light rays 603 come to a focus at substantially the same spot on theretina 133 as the light rays 513. The wearer's brain combines theretinal images provide by the light rays 603 and the light rays 509 toform a superimposed image.

FIG. 8 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingnon-display information using polarizing filters in accordance with someembodiments. The display 143 includes the organic light emitting diodedisplay 503, a display polarizing filter 801, and display shutters 803and 805. The contact lens 401 includes a display path filter 807, suchas a display path bandpass filter or a display path polarizing filter,the focusing element 505 to provide display information path opticalpower, and the non-display path polarizing filter 155. The human visualsystem 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina133.

In operation, the light rays 809 are polarized by the display polarizingfilter 801 to form light rays 811. The shutters 803 and 805 are switchedto the same polarization as the display polarizing filter 801. Thus, thelight rays 811 pass through the shutters 803 and 805 substantiallyunaltered. The organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an“off” state and is therefore substantially translucent to the light rays811. Thus, the light rays 811 also pass through the organic lightemitting diode display 503 substantially unaltered. The light rays 811are substantially blocked by the display path filter 807. In someembodiments, the display path filter 807 includes the display pathbandpass filter 157 (shown in FIG. 1D). In some embodiments, the displaypath filter 807 includes the display path polarizing filter 159 (shownin FIG. 1D) having a polarization different from the polarization of theshutters 803 and 805. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 has thesame polarization as the shutters 803 and 805. Thus, the light rays 811pass through the non-display path polarizing filter 155 substantiallyunaltered. At the human visual system 131, the iris 507 limits the lightrays passing through the iris 507 to light rays 813. The human lens 134focuses the light rays 813 at the retina 133.

Shadow 815 is created by the light rays blocked by the display pathfilter 807. The display path filter 807 slightly reduces the imageintensity at the retina 133 when compared to an image formed at theretina 133 in the absence of the display path filter 807. Otherwise, theimage at the retina 133 is substantially unaltered by the display pathfilter 807. The focusing element 505 has substantially no affect on thelight rays 811 reaching the retina 133, as the light rays 811 passingthrough the focusing element 505 are substantially blocked by thedisplay path filter 807.

In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 401 seesa normal, real world environment except the light rays 811 arepolarized. For the display path filter 807 including either a polarizingfilter or a bandpass filter, the light rays passing through the displaypath filter 807 are defocused by the focusing element 505 beforereaching retina 133.

FIG. 9 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingdisplay information using polarizing filters in accordance with someembodiments. The display 143 includes the display polarizing filter 801,the display shutter 803, the organic light emitting diode display 503,and the display shutter 805. The contact lens 401 includes thenon-display path polarizing filter 155, the display path filter 807,such as a display path bandpass filter or a display path polarizingfilter, and the focusing element 505 to provide display information pathoptical power. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, thehuman lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the display polarizing filter 801 polarizes the light rays809 to form light rays 811. The shutter 803 is switched to apolarization to substantially block the light rays 811. The organiclight emitting diode display 503 is set to an “on” state. The organiclight emitting diode display 503 provides the light rays 601 and 602.The shutter 803 polarizes the light rays 602 to form light rays 901. Thedisplay polarizing filter 801 is set to a polarization to substantiallyblock the light rays 901. Thus, the light rays 901 are not visible to aviewer looking at a wearer of the display 143. The shutter 805 polarizesthe light rays 601 to form the light rays 903. The non-display pathpolarizing filter 155 is set to a polarization to substantially blockthe light rays 903. For the display path filter 807 set to substantiallythe same polarization as the shutter 805, the display path filter 807passes the light rays 903 substantially unaltered. The focusing element505, such as a focusing lens, provides optical power to assist the humanlens 134 to focus the light rays 905 to the retina 133. Thus, thefocusing element 505 may provide an optical power to assist the humanlens 134 in focusing the light rays 903 at the retina 133. The humanlens 134 in combination with the focusing element 505 processes thelight rays 903 to form light rays 905. The iris 507 has substantially noaffect on the light rays 905 substantially focused at the retina 133.

If the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded, the displaypolarization filter 801 is not required. Instead, in some embodiments, amaterial having an opacity is included on the side of the display 143facing away from the contact lens 401 to block some or all of the lightrays 509 including the non-display information.

In some embodiments, a quarter wave-plate is included in the shutter 805to convert the light rays 601 having a linear polarization to a circularpolarization. To support the processing of circularly polarizedradiation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filterto provide transmission of right-handed circularly polarized radiation.Also, to support the processing of circularly polarized radiation, thedisplay path filter 807 includes a filter to provide transmission ofleft-handed circularly polarized radiation. In operation, to process thenon-display information, the shutter 805 including the quarterwave-plate is set to pass right-handed circularly polarized radiation.In operation, to process the display information the shutter 805including the quarter wave plate is set to pass left-handed circularlypolarized radiation. In some embodiments, the display path filter 807includes a display path bandpass filter.

A filter providing transmission of circularly polarized radiation,unlike a filter providing for transmission of linearly polarizedradiation, does not require rotational alignment of the contact lens 401with the human visual system 131. However, the non-display pathpolarizing filter 155 is not limited to a filter for processingcircularly polarized radiation. In some embodiments, the non-displaypath polarizing filter 155 includes a filter to provide transmission oflinearly polarized radiation.

Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in operation, in some embodiments, theshutters 803 and 805 are switched between one polarization state andanother polarization state in synchronization with the setting of theorganic light emitting diode display 503 to an “on” state and an “off”state. For example, when the organic light emitting diode display 503 isset to an “on” state, the shutters 803 and 805 are switched to the stateas described for FIG. 9 to process the display information provided bythe light rays 601 and 602 from the organic light emitting diode display503. And, for example, when the organic light emitting diode display 503is set to an “off” state, the shutters 803 and 805 are switched to thestate as described for FIG. 8 to process non-display informationprovided by the light rays 809. The switching rate is set to a frequencythat allows the brain of a wearer of the contact lens 401 tosubstantially form a single image from the superposition of the imagesof the display information and the non-display information.

Polarizing shutters, such as the shutters 803 and 805, can utilizeliquid crystal display panels that re-orient their liquid crystals inresponse to an applied electric field. When the crystals are oriented inone direction they pass electromagnetic radiation having a particularpolarization. Changing the electric field to orient the crystals in asecond direction causes electromagnetic radiation having a secondpolarization to be passed.

FIGS. 10A and 10B (diametrical section of illustration shown in 10A)show illustrations of a contact lens 1001 including one or more zoneplate filters 1003 in accordance with some embodiments. In someembodiments, the one or more zone plate filters 1003 are formed bypatterning a rugate filter in concentric rings of a diffraction zoneplate. A diffraction zone plate focuses light using diffraction to causeconstructive interference at a focal point to create an image. A rugatefilter includes optical interference films of varying thickness. Therefractive index of the optical interference films varies as a functionof the film's optical thickness. The use of a rugate filter in forming azone plate results in a zone plate that operates on a particular set ofwavelengths, for example, a narrow band of wavelengths. In someembodiments, the patterning of the zone plate is binary. Binarypatterning includes substantially opaque and transparent rings ofsubstantially equal areas. In some embodiments, the patterning issinusoid. Sinusoid patterning includes rings having substantiallygradual variations in opacity. In some embodiments, the contact lens1001 includes a notch filter 1005 forming substantially an annular ringaround the one or more zone plate filters 1003.

FIG. 11 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled bythe contact lens 1001 to the human visual system 131 to illustrateprocessing display information and non-display information using the oneor more zone plate filters 1003 in accordance with some embodiments. Thedisplay 143 includes the display notch filter 501 and the organic lightemitting diode display 503. The contact lens 1001 includes the one ormore zone plate filters 1003. In some embodiments, the contact lens 1001includes the notch filter 1005. The human visual system 131 includes theiris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 providing non-display informationreceived from objects more distant from the contact lens 1001 than thedisplay 143 encounter the display 143, the contact lens 1001, and thehuman visual system 131. At the display 143, the display notch filter501 filters the light rays 509. The wavelengths of the light rays 509that correspond to the wavelength notches of the display notch filter501 are substantially removed by the display notch filter 501, leavingthe light rays 511. The light rays 511 pass through the display 143substantially unaltered. At the contact lens 1001, the light rays 511pass through the one or more zone plate filters 1003 and the notchfilter 1005 substantially unaltered. At the human visual system 131, theiris 507 may block one or more of the light rays 511, leaving light rays1007. The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 1007 including thenon-display information at the retina 133.

In operation, the organic light emitting diode display 503 provides thelight rays 601 and 602. The light rays 602 are directed away from thecontact lens 1001 and are substantially blocked by the display notchfilter 501. Thus, the light rays 602 are not visible to a viewer lookingat a wearer of the display 143. The light rays 601 are directed towardthe contact lens 1001 including the notch filter 1005 and the one ormore zone plate filters 1003. At the notch filter 1005, the light rays601 are substantially blocked. At the one or more zone plate filters1003, the light rays 601 are diffracted to form the light rays 1009. Thehuman lens 134 focuses the light rays 1009 including the displayinformation at the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant fromthe contact lens 1001 than the display 143 are processed as describedabove to provide the light rays 1007 including the non-displayinformation to the retina 133. The light rays 601 provided by thedisplay 143 are processed as described above to provide the light rays1009 including the display information to the retina 133. The light rays1007 and the light rays 1009 are focused at substantially the same spotat the retina 133 at substantially the same time. Thus, the brain of thewearer of the contact lens 1001 combines the retinal image provided bythe light rays 1007 including the non-display information and theretinal image provided by the light rays 1009 including the displayinformation to form a superimposed image including the displayinformation and the non-display information.

In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 1001sees a normal, real world environment except the light rays 511 nowinclude the wavelengths substantially blocked by the display notchfilter 501. At the contact lens 1001, the wavelengths blocked at thedisplay notch filter 501 when the display 143 is present are diffractedby the one or more zone plate filters 1003 and defocused by the humanlens 134.

If the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded, the display notchfilter 501 is not required. Instead, in some embodiments, a materialhaving an opacity is included on the side of the display 143 facing awayfrom the contact lens 1001 to block some or all of the light rays 509including the non-display information.

FIG. 12 shows an illustration of an apparatus 1201 including a substrate1203, a substantially transparent pixel unit 1205, and an organic lightemitting diode unit 1207 in accordance with some embodiments. Thesubstrate 1203 includes a pattern 1209 of pixel sites including a firstpattern of one or more first pixel sites 1211 and a second pattern ofone or more second pixel sites 1213. The substantially transparent pixelunit 1205 is located at substantially each of the one or more firstpixel sites 1211. The organic light emitting diode pixel unit 1207including a filter 1215 is located at substantially each of the one ormore second pixel sites 1213. The filter 1215 is located on thesubstrate 1203 to enable filtering of the electromagnetic radiationemitted by the organic light emitting diode unit before theelectromagnetic radiation reaches a viewer. To filter theelectromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, emitted by the organiclight emitting diode pixel unit 1207, the area of the filter 1215 issubstantially equal to or greater than the area of the organic lightemitting diode pixel unit 1207. In some embodiments, the filter 1215 isa narrow band filter. In some embodiments, the filter 1215 is apolarizing filter. The pattern 1209 of pixel sites is not limited to aparticular pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern 1209 of pixel sitesincludes a checkerboard pattern including the first pattern of the oneor more first pixel sites 1211 alternating with the second pattern ofthe one or more second pixel sites 1213. The sites are not limited to aparticular shape and the shapes shown are only for schematicillustration.

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of a method 1301 including enabling anddisabling transmission of display information and transmission ofnon-display information in accordance with some embodiments. In someembodiments, the method 1301 enables transmission of display informationfrom a display and switches one or more shutters to a first polarizationto polarize the display information (block 1303), and disablestransmission of the display information from the display and switchesthe one or more shutters to a second polarization different from thefirst polarization to enable transmission of the non-display informationthrough the one or more shutters (block 1305). In some embodiments, themethod 1301 includes receiving the display information and thenon-display information at a contact lens. In some embodiments, themethod 1301 includes substantially blocking the display information at anon-display information optical path included in the contact lens andsubstantially transmitting the display information at a displayinformation optical path included in the contact lens.

FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram of a method 1401 including polarizingdisplay and non-display information and illuminating a contact lens withthe polarized display and non-display information in accordance withsome embodiments. In some embodiments, the method 1401 polarizesnon-display information to form polarized non-display information andpolarizes display information to form polarized display information(block 1403), illuminates a contact lens with the polarized non-displayinformation while not illuminating the contact lens with the polarizeddisplay information (block 1405), and illuminates the contact lens withthe polarized display information while not illuminating the contactlens with the polarized non-display information (block 1407). In someembodiments, the method 1401 includes substantially blocking thepolarized display information at the non-display information path at thecontact lens.

While apparatus and methods have been described in terms of severalembodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theapparatus and methods are not limited to the embodiments described, butcan be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. The description is thus to be regarded asillustrative instead of limiting.

1. A apparatus comprising: a substrate including a display information optical path to receive display information and a non-display information optical path to receive non-display information, the display information optical path including a display information path optical power, and the non-display information optical path including one or more filters and a non-display information path optical power, the display information optical path when coupled to a human visual system to substantially focus the display information to a retina in the human visual system and the non-display information optical path when coupled to the human visual system to substantially focus the non-display information to the retina in the human visual system and to substantially block the display information from entering the human visual system from the non-display information optical path.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display information path optical power includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical path power includes substantially zero power.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display information path optical power includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power includes a normal power.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display information path optical power includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power includes substantially zero power.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display information path optical power includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power includes a normal power.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more filters includes a non-display path notch filter.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the display information optical path includes a display path bandpass filter.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the display information optical path includes a display path polarizing filter.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and a display information polarization, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more filters includes a non-display path polarizing filter.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the display information optical path includes a display path bandpass filter.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and a display information polarization, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth and a non-display information polarization.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the display information optical path includes a display path polarizing filter.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having at least one characteristic feature, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation lacking the at least one characteristic feature.
 19. A apparatus comprising: a substrate including a display information optical path to receive display information and a non-display information optical path to receive non-display information, the display information optical path including a display information path optical power, and the non-display information optical path including one or more filters including a non-display path polarizing filter and a non-display information path optical power, the display information optical path when coupled to a human visual system to substantially focus the display information to a retina in the human visual system and the non-display information optical path when coupled to the human visual system to substantially focus the non-display information to the retina in the human visual system and to substantially block the display information from entering the human visual system from the non-display information optical path; and a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization.
 20. A apparatus comprising: a substrate including a display information optical path to receive display information and a non-display information optical path to receive non-display information, the display information optical path including a display information path optical power, and the non-display information optical path including one or more controllable optical materials and a non-display information path optical power, the display information optical path when coupled to a human visual system to substantially focus the display information to a retina in the human visual system and the non-display information optical path when coupled to the human visual system to substantially focus the non-display information to the retina in the human visual system and to substantially block the display information from entering the human visual system from the non-display information optical path.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the display information path optical power includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power includes substantially zero power.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the display information path optical power includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power includes a normal power.
 23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the display information path optical power includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power includes substantially zero power.
 24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the display information path optical power includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power includes a normal power.
 25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein at least one of the one or more controllable optical materials includes a photochromic material.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising a display to provide one or more optical material activation signals and to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having at least one characteristic feature, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation lacking the at least one characteristic feature.
 27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the display information optical path includes a display path bandpass filter.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a display to provide one or more optical material activation signals and to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth.
 29. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the display information optical path includes a display path polarizing filter.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a display to provide one or more optical material activation signals and to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization.
 31. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein at least one of the one or more controllable optical materials includes an electrochromic material.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising a display to provide one or more optical material activation signals and to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having at least one characteristic feature, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation lacking the at least one characteristic feature.
 33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the display information optical path includes a display path bandpass filter.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising a display to provide one or more optical material activation signals and to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth.
 35. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the display information optical path includes a display path polarizing filter.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising a display to provide one or more optical material activation signals and to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization.
 37. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having at least one characteristic feature, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation lacking the at least one characteristic feature.
 38. A apparatus comprising: a substrate including an optical path having one or more zone plates to receive display information and non-display information, the optical path when coupled to a human visual system to substantially focus the display information to a retina in the human visual system and to substantially focus the non-display information to the retina in the human visual system.
 39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the optical path provides substantially zero optical power for the non-display information.
 40. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the optical path provides a normal optical power for the non-display information.
 41. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising a non-display path notch filter to substantially block display information outside the optical path including the one or more zone plates from entering the human visual system.
 42. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth.
 43. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising a non-display path polarizing filter to substantially block display information outside the optical path including the one or more zone plates from entering the human visual system.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization.
 45. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising a substantially opaque filter to substantially block display information outside the optical path including the one or more zone plates from entering the human visual system.
 46. The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having at least one characteristic feature, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation lacking the at least one characteristic feature.
 47. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising a display to provide the display information including display electromagnetic radiation having at least one characteristic feature, the non-display information including non-display electromagnetic radiation lacking the at least one characteristic feature.
 48. An apparatus comprising: one or more shutters to polarize display information and non-display information; an organic light emitting diode display located adjacent to the one or more shutters, the organic light emitting diode display to provide the display information and to transmit non-display information; and a polarizing filter located adjacent to the organic light emitting diode display, the polarizing filter to polarize the non-display information.
 49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the one or more shutters includes a first shutter to transmit the display information and a second shutter to block the display information.
 50. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising: a contact lens optically coupled to the organic light emitting diode display including a display path to receive the display information and a non-display path to receive the non-display information, the contact lens including a polarizing filter to block the display information and pass the non-display information.
 51. An apparatus comprising: a substrate including a pattern of pixel sites for the substrate, the pattern including a first pattern of one or more first pixel sites and a second pattern of one or more second pixel sites; a substantially transparent pixel unit located at substantially each of the one or more first pixel sites; and an organic light emitting diode pixel unit including a filter located at substantially each of the one or more second pixel sites.
 52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the pattern includes a checkerboard pattern including the first pattern of the one or more first pixel sites alternating with the second pattern of the one or more second pixel sites.
 53. A method comprising: enabling transmission of display information from a display and switching one or more shutters to a first polarization to polarize the display information; and disabling transmission of the display information from the display and switching the one or more shutters to a second polarization different from the first polarization to enable transmission of the non-display information through the one or more shutters.
 54. The method of claim 53, further comprising: receiving the display information and the non-display information at a contact lens.
 55. The method of claim 54, further comprising: substantially blocking the display information at a non-display information optical path included in the contact lens and substantially transmitting the display information at a display information optical path included in the contact lens.
 56. A method comprising: polarizing non-display information to form polarized non-display information and polarizing display information to form polarized display information; illuminating a contact lens with the polarized non-display information while not illuminating the contact lens with the polarized display information; and illuminating the contact lens with the polarized display information while not illuminating the contact lens with the polarized non-display information.
 57. The method of claim 56, further comprising: substantially blocking the polarized display information at the non-display information path at the contact lens. 